Obstetrical device.



Patented Feb. 5, I90l. H. C. FLEMING.

OBSTETRIGAL DEVICE.

(Apphcaclon filed June 30, 1899 INVENTOH.

No. 667,62l.

WITNESSES:

(No Model.)

THE n'cams mans co, PNOTQLITHQ, WASHINGTON. o c

' rrn HANNAH G. FLEMING, OF FALLS CITY, NEBRASKA.

OBSTETRICAL DEVICE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 667,621, dated February5, 1901.

Application filed June 30, 1899.

To aZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, HANNAH O. FLEMING, a citizen of the United States,residing at Falls City, in the county of Richardson and State ofNebraska, have invented a new and useful Obstetrical Device, of whichthe following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in labor-assisting devices.

It has for its object to provide a device of this character to be usedas a support for women in childbirth and to expedite delivery.

My improved labor-assister combines the advantages of simplicity andefficiency. It may be readily attached to any bed and be made ready foruse in a few minutes and as easily detached when the operation iscompleted.

In the drawings which accompany this specification and of which theyform a part, Figure 1 is a perspective view showing my device attachedto a bed. Fig. 2 is a detailed View showing one handle with the hookattached thereto. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the hook member. Fig. 4is a view of the chain. Fig. 5 shows the leather casing.

In the drawings like numerals of reference denote like parts whereverthey occur.

The numerals 1 denote handles of convenient size for the patient-tograsp. A link 2, with a ring 3 at one end and an open-mouthed hook 4 atthe other, is attached to the handle 1 by means of the ring which issprung over the handle. A chain 5, having open links of sufflcientdimensions to permit hook 4 to be engaged therein, is shown in thedrawings. This chain has a link of large size or a ring 6 at one end.Two chains of this character are used; but as they are both alike onlyone will be described. A leather casing 7 is used by slipping it overthe chain to keep it from injuring the bed.

My device when in use is secured to the footposts of the bed underneaththe side pieces. The leather casing 7 is threaded on the chain 5. Theattachment to the bed-post is made by passing the ring end of the chainsaround the opposite foot posts and then threading the free ends of thechains through Serial No. 722,891. (No model.)

The hooks 4 are then engaged one in each chain at points thereindepending on the height'of the patient. The patient lying upon her backon the bed grasps one of the bandles in each hand and plants her feetfirmly against the footboard. She is thus provided with a firm support,the advantages of which are obvious. The length of the appliance can beadjusted by letting out or dropping links, and this adjustment can bealtered during the progress of the labor, if desired.

I am aware that there has been patented a slipper device for assistingwomen in childbirth, the foot of the patient being inserted in suchslipper device; but I am not aware that any machine or device similar inany respect to mine has ever been invented and used.

I do not Wish to be limited as to details of construction, as these maybe changed or varied within the scope of the appended claims in manyparticulars without departing from the spirit of my invention v Havingthus completely described my invention, what I claim, and wish to secureby Letters Patent, is-

1. In alabor-assisting device, flexible members, means for securing saidflexible members to bed-posts at one of their ends, and handles providedwith means constructed and arranged to permit of ready engagement anddisengagement with said flexible members at any desired point thereof,substantially as and for the purpose described.

2. In a labor-assisting device, the combination of flexible linkmembers, means for securing said link members to bed-posts, a flexibleguard for said link members and handles provided with means constructedand arranged to permit of ready engagement and disengagement with saidflexible members at any desired point thereof, substantially as and forthe purpose described.

3. In a labor-assisting device, the combination of handles, links havinga ring at one end and an open-mouthed hook at the other, said ringsbeing secured to said handles, flexible open-linked members detachablyconnected to said hooks near one end, and oppositely sesaid open-linkmembers, substantially as decured to bed-posts, a flexible guard forsaid scribed.

link members, substantially as described. V

4. In a labor-assisting device, the colnbina- HANNAH FLEMING 5 tion ofopen-linked members secured at one Witnesses:

end to bed-posts, and handles provided with J. V. HOLLEBAUGH,

open-mouthed hooks detaehably engaging J. R. VVILHITE.

